An Ottoman tactical victory in the Sinai Desert that halted British pursuit following the Battle of Romani in August 1916.
Key Facts
- Date
- 9 August 1916
- Campaign
- Sinai and Palestine Campaign, World War I
- British force
- ANZAC Mounted Division with 5th Mounted Brigade
- Preceded by
- British victory at Battle of Romani (3–5 August 1916)
- Outcome
- Ottoman forces retained the battlefield
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the British victory at the Battle of Romani on 3–5 August 1916, a retiring Ottoman Army force was pursued into the Sinai Desert. British patrols located the Ottoman troops on 8 August, and the ANZAC Mounted Division, reinforced by the 5th Mounted Brigade, maneuvered into attack positions overnight.
On 9 August 1916, the ANZAC Mounted Division launched an assault on the Ottoman force at Bir el Abd. The fighting devolved into a sustained exchange of attacks and counter-attacks throughout the day. By early evening, General Chauvel ordered a British withdrawal, leaving Ottoman forces in control of the ground.
The Ottoman force successfully held its position at Bir el Abd, securing a tactical victory despite the broader British momentum in Sinai following Romani. The British pursuit was checked, allowing the Ottomans to maintain their footing in the region temporarily and demonstrating the limits of the British follow-up operation.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Harry Chauvel.
Side B
1 belligerent